SPARK S2477 Citroën SM n°25 Trautmann Monte Carlo 1972 %

Spark — S2477 | Citroën SM No. 25 (Monte Carlo Rally 1972)

The pinnacle of French automotive engineering in the early 1970s, the Citroën SM blended Citroën's groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension and speed-sensitive Diravi power steering with Italian mechanical prestige, powered by an all-aluminum 2.7-liter Maserati V6 engine producing over 170 horsepower. Despite its Grand Touring proportions, its remarkable stability and road-holding made it a surprisingly formidable contender on treacherous winter stages.

Carrying start number #25, this striking SM was piloted by French rallying veteran René Trautmann, navigated by co-driver Philippe Le Gall. Tackling the snow- and ice-covered Alpine passes against lightweight specialist machinery, their brave run was brought to an untimely halt following mechanical trouble, forcing their retirement from the rally.